Estée Lauder Even Skintone Illuminator

March 20, 2015March 1, 2025 - Vicki 1 Comment

Recently there has been a new serum in my routine & I’ve been quietly declaring my love for it. I thought it was about time I shared it with you. I have been using the Estée Lauder Even Skintone Illuminator* from the Idealist range, this range targets dull, uneven skintones and focuses on giving the skin a fresh illuminating glow whilst evening out pigmentation, redness and smoothing pores. Just what my skin needs, especially with Spring just around the corner.

In a nutshell – This serum features exclusive CorrecTone Technology, a comprehensive triple-action complex compromised of highly effective, anti-spot ingredients, powerful antioxidants and soothing anti-irritants to address the signs of an uneven skintone.

This is an oil free serum and has an illuminating pearlescent colour which gives the skin a lovely fresh glow, and it does have a slight citrus scent too but noting overpowering and once the serum has been absorbed the scent fades. The serum feels very lightweight and is quickly absorbed without leaving the skin feeling tacky or greasy. You apply this on to clean skin and then follow with the rest of your skincare regime (SPF, moisturiser). I don’t find this serum to be particularly hydrating, but it leaves my skin feeling smooth, soft and noticeably brighter.

I have quite a few old dark acne scars, redness around my nose and quite a few areas where the pigmentation in uneven. This serum not only helps cover them and has an instant brightening effect but also over a period of time help reduce them. I’ve been using this serum for a little over 5 weeks now & have noticed these areas looking brighter, more even and my complexion looks a lot more fresh and bright. I am excited to see if these areas continue to improve over the coming months.

I like how this sits well under my moisturiser, it’s a non-greasy, oil free serum and once applied has a smooth velvety finish. It adds luminosity to the skin but is in no way sparkly or glittery, so don’t worry you won’t look like a disco ball (no one needs that).

This Even Skintone Illuminator comes in a distinctive light blue and gold bottle which has a handy pump, it’s very pretty and the pump dispenses just enough product without wasting any. Unlike the ANR this is a hard robust plastic which I like a lot more. Glass packaging tends to make me nervous & it is near impossible to travel with. This packaging is much more travel-friendly.

So far I’m impressed with this & would recommend it, if like me you want to brighten your complexion and address any dark spots or redness. As with most Estée Lauder skincare it is quite pricey but one pump of this gives you enough product to use on your face & I like to use it once a day in the morning & 5 weeks on I still have a lot of products left. So a little goes a long way. What I am trying to say is it is worth the price tag!

You can purchase Estee Lauder makeup from Harrods, they have quite an extensive selection. Oh, & the best part is it comes beautifully packaged. Let me know if you have any Estee Lauder product suggestions, I am already a fan of the ANR range but would love to try some makeup from them too. So send your suggestions this way.

Products that are marked with an * have either been sent to me for my consideration or I’ve received at events. I’m under no obligation to review them on my blog. However, if I do, the reviews are 100% my own.

Heathcote & Ivory Treats

March 19, 2015January 10, 2018 - Vicki Leave a comment

These two beautiful products from Heathcote & Ivory are from their Morris & Co. range. This collection of products have been inspired by the uplifting ideals and superb designs that are the William Morris legacy to British art.

William Morris (1834-1896) he was an artist, philosopher and political theorist. One of the most outstanding and influential designers of the Arts and Crafts Movement and through his company, Morris & Co., he produced some of the most fashionable and exciting textiles and wallpapers of his era.

I love the beautiful designs and think this collection make the most thoughtful gifts. Especially for people that love design and are familiar with the work of Morris & Co.

**Morris & Co. Golden Lily Hand Cream Collection* 3 X 30ml**

This travel-sized trio of hand creams come in very pretty tubes that look like paint tubes which is a real nod to William Morris the artist. I think they look really cute & the patterns on all three tubes are botanical and very pretty. This trio of mini hand creams are perfect for keeping your hands nourished, feeling soft and looking smooth. They all contain these nourishing ingredients – vitamin E, cocoa butter, shea butter, lemon and aloe extracts, jojoba oil and macadamia oil. So lots of goodness for your hands!

As I said they are beautifully packaged and are perfect for popping in your handbag to keep your hands moisturised on the go. I have one in my car, handbag and on my bedside table so all within easy reach. My hands are always terribly dry and I like to have a cream with me to soothe them and keep them hydrated. These have been doing a good job & don’t feel greasy, I also like that they have a light citrus scent which smells fresh and not overpowering. These creams contain no parabens or sulphates & are not tested on animals

Morris & Co. Golden Lily Cosmetic Bag*

This is decorated in the most beautiful detailed pattern with flowers and foliage, the Golden Lily print is quite a recognisable Morris & Co print and dates back to 1899. With a chunky sturdy zip with gold detailing which has the letter M on it. It feels sturdy and looks luxurious. The cosmetics bag is a really good size, you can fit all the cosmetics you’d need for a short break. As well as the main large compartment it has a smaller side pouch inside the bag to keep any little items that you want to be kept separate. It’s practical & pretty.

I really like the Morris & Co. designs and think they look bold but pretty. The attention to detail is as you would expect from both Heathcote & Ivory and Morris & Co. also the colours and designs are vibrant and really detailed. I think this collection is a lovely slice of history.

These are just two products from the Heathcote & Ivory Morris & Co. range – they have much more in their online shop so make sure you check them out. As I said they make really sweet gifts.

Products that are marked with an * have either been sent to me for my consideration or I’ve received at events. I’m under no obligation to review them on my blog. However if I do, the reviews are 100% my own.

March 2015 Empty Products

March 17, 2015September 7, 2015 - Vicki 5 Comments

March Empties

I finished four Bath & Body Works antibacterial hand gels. I love these and they have so many scents to pick from. All four of these were really nice, my least favourite was the Crisp Golden Pear and my favourite was the Merry Cookie. Let me know what your favourite scents are as I want to try some more.

March 2015 Empties

Soap & Glory Butter Yourself – this is a lovely thick sweet smelling body lotion. It was so good over the Winter and kept my skin smooth and moisturised. These huge tubs last ages.

St Ives Face Wipes – I bought these in the Poundshop & use them to remove lipstick & eye makeup. Always handy to have in the stash.

Bodhi & Birch Neroli Luce Revitalising Face Oil – This is the perfect boost for your skin. It hydrates, keeps skin supple and helps smooth fine lines. This is an oil that has so many skin benefits and I like to use it as a night treatment & by morning my skin looks plump, fresh and glowing. A little goes a very long way. I’m sad that this has run out but I will be treating myself to another bottle.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist – I really like using face mists & use them to refresh my makeup, hydrate my skin and to sooth my skin. This one has been really nice and calming for my skin & its a great product to have in your handbag or on your desk so you can use it throughout the day.

Mio Quickstart Exhilarating Shower Gel – This has a minty scent that is perfect for using in the morning it kick starts your day and wakes you up. It makes my skin feel soft and is so invigorating. From the same brand I also used up the Mio The A Cream Firming Body Cream – I LOVED this & used it every morning, it was so nice to massage in. I focused this cream on my legs and stomach, its infused with Hyluronic Acid to retain moisture, loaded with Aloe Vera to sooth and smooth and also contains omega-rich Organic Shea Butter to repair & rebuild cells. So it is packed full of skin benefits, I have loved using this & would highly recommend it.

Urban Veda Radiance Body Scrub* – This is the first product I have tried from this brand & now I am wanting to try everything. I try to use a body scrub everyday, especially on my thighs. They’re a great way of not only removing dead skin, giving you smooth skin but also great at getting the circulation and blood flowing. This Urban Veda scrub contains Pomegranate Seed Powder and Pumice to buff away the skin, Liquorice to give luminosity, Arjuna to boost collagen. Its not abrasive but it will give you a great scrub. It also smells botanical and fresh.

March Empties

e.l.f Eye Primer – This is the best budget eye primer & I have used up so many of these. It does a good job of keeping my eye makeup in place for hours.

Apivita Pomegranate & Olive Oil Lip balm* – This is so nice to use, its smooth and hydrating on the lips. It has a slight sweet scent and gives your lips just a hint of glossy colour. It feels like it is caring for your lips (if that makes any sense). It has a very light rose tint to it on the lips. It contains pomegranate oil and vitamins E, F and C and is 98% Natural. Apivita is sold in select Marks & Spencer shops now so keep your eyes peeled. These Lip balms come in 6 varieties.

Nip & Fab Bee Venom Eye Cream* – I was quite skeptical of this when it first arrived but after a few weeks of use I noticed my eyes looked less tired and fine lines appeared smoother. The formula is quite creamy and works well under makeup. I like to use this in the morning as it plumps the skin and hydrates the under eye area. Although the cream is quite thick it isn’t greasy which is why I like to use it in the morning. Nip & Fab have a whole Bee Venom range which I have been trying & so far everything is working well. Look out for reviews of the rest of the range soon.

U Little Beauty Dream Time Enriching Night Cream – is an Australian company who pride themselves on being Cruelty Free, Vegan, Natural and Organic. There are no nasties in their products. This cream is made in Byron Bay, Australia and contains the Australian Kakadu Plum Extract, which has the worlds richest source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for collagen which is a key structural protein of the skin. The Kaduka Plum is also rich in antioxidants which help reduce skin damage caused by free radicals and exposure to harsh environmental elements which can make your skin congested and dull. Also excellent at combating the signs of ageing. So this cream combats signs of dullness and keeps your skin looking its best. So its an ultra rich nigh cream that really protects and cares for your skin. I have loved being introduced to this brand & highly recommend it.

Merumaya Overnight Recharge Night Cream* – If you want a night cream that transforms your skin this is for you. It smooths lines, reduces the signs of fatigue and delivers a boost of hydration. All whilst you sleep. It is a rich cream but it feels lightweight on your skin, not at all heavy or greasy. It also has that signature Merumaya scent which I find calming. This a night cream that would work for all ages as it doesn’t just target one skin concern but instead focuses on boosting hydration and combating skin fatigue whilst lifting and firming skin. Its an all rounder thats for sure. Merumaya is also created and manufactured in Britain.

Vaseline Essential Moisture Lotion – I used this as a hand cream over the Winter when my hands were so dry and looking terrible. It worked well to hydrate them and help them look smooth and younger. I always had it with me in my handbag & thought it did a good job.

Origins GinZing Mascara* – This mascara is great at separating your lashes & it keeps a curl like no other! I like my lashes to look fluttery and this works well at achieving that. You can build it up on your lashes so they look thick without being crispy. I also like the chunky packaging & I’ve grown to love the big oversized wand. Its a very good all round mascara & I think its quite an unsung hero.

5 From Benefit Cosmetics

March 15, 2015October 19, 2016 - Vicki 17 Comments

I think Benefit is the brand I have used for the longest time (well over 15 years), I always have multiple products from them on the go at any one time. When I think of Benefit I think girly, quirky, quality and of course the best packaging in the beauty industry. Oh & no one does a product launch quite as well as benefit.

There are so many products I could talk about from Benefit but I have narrowed it down to the products I reach for most often from my collection.

Boiing Concealer £17.50 – I have repurchased this so many times,This stuff covers imperfections like a hero! I’ve used it for years and can always rely on it to cover redness, blemishes and dark spots. It stays in place a heck of a long time, this stuff is heavy-duty. It’s a full coverage concealer but it doesn’t look heavy on the skin, you can blend it in so it looks even and not cakey at all. The formula is creamy and I find it works best if applied to the skin with your finger and blended out with a brush. A little goes a long way so start with a small amount and build up if you need too. It’s available in 5 shades.

Moon Beam – Is a gorgeous golden apricot liquid highlighter, I either mix a few drops in with my foundation for more of a radiant finish or blend a little on to my cheek bones / brow bone for a pretty beachy glow. Moon Beam gives the skin a subtle iridescent glow. I have had my bottle for years (probably a little too long) but it lasts a really long time. Do you prefer Moon Beam or High Beam?

Stay Don’t Stray Primer £20.50 – This is a dual action eye primer so not only will it keep your eyeshadow in place but you can use it under the eye to keep your concealer put all day long and it works a treat. It gives my eyelids an even colour & is the perfect base on which to apply eyeshadow. Its love.

The newest addition to the Benefit line up is Roller Lash* £19.50 – I was always a fan of Bad Gal until this came along and now I’m a Roller Lash girl forever. Back in January I wrote all about the launch of Roller Lash if you’d like to have a peek. In a nutshell this is a mascara that will hold a curl, give your lashes definition and make them look fluttery. You will get no clumping, crispy lashes or flaky fall down throughout the day. I think with all Benefit mascara’s you either love them or hate them but I think this is a great addition to their mascara line up & it’s totally different to Bad Gal & They’re Real so if you haven’t already then give it a go.

Cheeky Sweet Spot Blush Tin £29.50. I’m a little sorry for including this as it was a Christmas limited edition and not available anymore, although all but one of the Box O’ Powders are still available to buy individually. This collection includes

Dandelion 4g – Ballerina pink brightening face powder with a hint of shimmer, Bella Bamba 5g – Watermelon pink laced with shimmering gold undertones, Sugarbomb 6g – 4 beautiful shimmering shades of peach, soft plum, pink and rose that swirl together to create a gorgeous blush, Hoola 5g – Matte bronzer perfect for a natural sun kissed look, Coralista 5g – Warm coral blush, Rockateur 5g – Rose gold highlighting blush and Watt’s Up! 1.5g – A delicate champagne glow that will give your cheeks a luminous glow. So a great mix of shades and finishes. I absolutely love the Benefit Box Blushes and think although quite expensive they last a very long time and the colour pay off and quality is worth every penny.

Let me know what your favourite Benefit Box O’Powder is & if you managed to snap up one of these tins at Christmas.

Let's talk beauty

Unbiased beauty product reviews & tips